"The freshmen were told to stand in a circle and were tied together with string that was passed through their belt loops. They consumed a large quantity of alcohol to the point at which multiple members vomited," the school said.

Dangerous college hazing rituals have attracted more attention since the 2011 beating death of 26-year-old Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion during a band trip.

Cornell did not say when the lacrosse hazing incident happened, only that the university learned about it on Sept. 12. The university investigated and on Sept. 19 canceled the team's fall season, according to the New York Times.

ESPN, noting lacrosse is a spring sport, said cancellation of the fall season was a slap on the wrist for the team.

"The team will participate in anti-hazing education programs and workshops and those members negatively affected by the hazing incidents will be provided support," the school said.

Last season, Cornell's record was 14-4, losing in the NCAA semifinals to eventual national champion Duke.